Triple Crown Nutrition has joined forces with the Professional Riders Organization to promote junior young rider development through the Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program. Developed by Marcia Kulak, a board member of PRO, the scholarship is now in its third year and offers a significant training reward to participants. Riders compete at designated events on the east and west coasts and earn points based on their performance and horsemanship. Juniors and Young Riders are judged by professional members of PRO, many of whom also act as mentors throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to have Triple Crown Nutrition join us in supporting this worthy scholarship program where we not only focus on spotting upcoming talent, but are really trying to encourage juniors and young riders to strive to become more competent horsemen earlier in their careers,” said Marcia Kulak. “We strongly believe that a one week scholarship for a rider and their horse at a high performance rider’s facility is incredibly educational and will encourage these young people to set high goals for themselves and the development of their horse.”

The Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship Program will take place at designated events on both coasts. It is a Training Level program for juniors and young riders. Riders who wish to participate must be Junior members of PRO. Riders are evaluated and scored by professional members of PRO at designated observation competitions. Scores are tabulated independently of the competition and Juniors are ranked on the Triple Crown JYR PRO Leaderboard. The two top point earning riders (one from the east coast and one from the west) will earn a scholarship award, with Sinead Halpin and Marcia Kulak on the east coast, and Tamra Smith and Shannon Lilley on the west coast. Sinead Halpin was eager to volunteer her time to host a scholarship award winner: “This opportunity is so important and I really wanted to be a part of the program.” The scholarship award includes a week of training and boarding of both horse and rider at no cost to the scholarship winners.

“All of us at Triple Crown Nutrition are excited about this opportunity to support Marcia and PRO in their efforts to develop the next generation of outstanding professionals,” said Michelle Mulcahy of Triple Crown Nutrition. “We look forward to meeting these young riders, hearing about their goals and cheering them on!”